Afghanistan qualify directly for 2023 ODI World Cup in India

Afghanistan have gained direct qualification to next year's 50-over World Cup after their abandoned second one-day international against Sri Lanka, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.

The Afghans and the hosts took five Super League points each in Pallekele on Sunday, keeping the visitors in seventh place in the table and guaranteeing them at least eighth position.

Afghanistan defeated West Indies by seven wickets to win the ICC World Cup Qualifier in 2018.in finals and also qualified for the 2019 World Cup.

Hosts India and the seven highest-ranked other teams earn direct entry to the 2023 tournament.

Four teams are battling for the last remaining direct entry spot -- two-time champions West Indies, Ireland, former winners Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Sri Lanka will be hoping for a win in the final ODI of the Afghanistan tour on Wednesday to boost their chances and tie the current three-match series.

Afghanistan won the first ODI by 60 runs on Friday.

As well as the hosts, so far defending champions England, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan have also secured direct entry into next year's tournament.

The tournament, which is in its 13th edition, is scheduled to be hosted by India during October and November 2023. It will be the first time that the competition is held entirely in Indi